By Lachlan Onions
IT was a difficult weekend at the SA Country Championships for the women’s South East zone team as they had to settle for fourth place after two days of action.
The South East kicked off proceedings with a grand final rematch against Southern Districts.
Like last year, Southern Districts prevailed as the reigning premiers defeated the South East 1.4 (10)- 0.1 (1).
Tallara Power kicked the only goal of the game for Southern Districts, while Casey Lodewyk, Erin Horsnell, Dellie Brown, Kelsie Wilkinson and Evie Sealey were the South East’s best.
After a tough opening clash, they bounced back with a solid win over Eyre Peninsula.
The South East showed its class to claim a 3.0 (18) – 1.1 (7) win in the final game on Saturday.
Alice Tentye continued her impressive form from the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League as she contributed with a goal, while Heidi Berkin also kicked a major.
Tentye was best on ground for South East, while Zoe Hawker, Horsnell, Lodewyk and Shandeen Balshaw also put in solid performances.
After splitting Saturday’s results, the South East faced Southern Districts again in the third v fourth final on Sunday.
Once again, Southern Districts proved too strong as it claimed a 30-7 win.
All four goals for Southern Districts came from different players in what was a strong team performance.
Kelsie Wilkinson kicked the solitary goal for the South East on Sunday and was second-best on ground for her side.
Emmason Ilsley was best on ground, while Zhane Crawford, Lodewyk and Ella Boston were some of the better players.
Despite the result, South East zone coach Michael Hunt was proud of the effort his side put in over the weekend.
“It was not too bad,” Hunt said.
“It was a bit of a slog on Saturday with 50 to 70-kilometre winds which made it hard for both sides.
“On Sunday, it was pretty heavy underfoot and we had a few injuries as well.
“Generally, the girls put in a sterling effort but just couldn’t quite get the results they had hoped for.”
With quite a young side at his disposal, Hunt said the difficult weather provided an extra challenge for the team.
“We had a lot of young players who were quick and skilful but were lightly built and the weather didn’t really help them out,” he said.
“The first game was pretty damp with a bit of rain.
“Southern Districts are quite a physical side and they ended up beating us 10-1, so it was a pretty ordinary game.”
After two slugfests on Saturday, Hunt said the physicality of the game ultimately had an impact on the South East on the final day as the Southern Districts pounced on any signs of weakness in the third-place playoff.
While the results may not have been ideal, there was still plenty of positives Hunt could take from the carnival.
“Casey Lodewyk, Dellie Brown Erin Horsnell were standouts – they were very good,” he said.
“Evie Sealey from Kongorong, this was her first carnival and she played really well.
“Zoe Hawker was very good and Emmason Ilsley, the longer she played, the better she got.
“She had a ripper last game.
“Jade Longbottom stepped up on the back flank and Zhane Crawford from Casterton was really good as well.”
